Asia Again in Fall 2024 Part III: Singapore 🇸🇬

While I left Singapore really glad I visited, I don't feel a strong calling to come back any time soon.

I'm sure there are some part of Singapore that feel more authentic, but it mostly felt like a polished, more sterile version of Malaysia to me.  I know that's not fair to say because Singapore being so multicultural is arguably its biggest strength.

I stayed at the Andaz Singapore (check out my mini review), which was located directly adjacent to Kampong Glam (the Arab quarter), which unsurprisingly wound up being one of my favorite parts of the city.

Like most of Singapore, the food in Kampong Glam is fantastic.  I ate at a cafeteria-style Indonesian restaurant on my first day called Rumah Makan Minang, which was a very fitting introduction to Singapore's culinary offerings.  Reminded me a little bit of nasi lemak, which I had just had a ton of in Malaysia.

Overall, Kampong Glam was a pleasant neighborhood to be based near.  While not an overly large section of the city, it was great to be able to walk to grab coffee or teh tarik each morning and enjoy the views.

What's Singapore without hawker centers?  While Singapore is considered an expensive place to live overall, hawker centers provide a much cheaper (and tastier) option for food.  Of the few I visited, the two that stood out the most were Maxwell Food Center, located in Chinatown, and Tekka Center, located in Little India.

While some stalls were busier than others (some had very long lines), I really just went for what looked good and didn't pay too much attention to what was popular.  The hawker centers really are huge, so there are tons of options for both food and drink.  I don't think you can go wrong.

Now I do love Indian food but figured something oriental would stick out more to be in Singapore, but I was wrong.  I found myself liking what I had at Tekka Center in Little India a little more than Maxwell in Chinatown.  So good I went to this particular stall for both lunch and dinner.

I found Singapore's Little India quite enjoyable as well.  Great spot for food obviously, as well as some shopping.

As I said before a lot of what Singapore is really known for its luxe shopping and "theme park like" attractions.  While the hawkers and a few other places are a great peek into the authentic life of local residents, I'd say most travelers come here to spoil themselves and visit Sentosa Island or Gardens by the Bay.

I did visit Gardens by the Bay (I mainly wanted to check out the Cloud Forest), but overall left underwhelmed at the experience as a whole.  Nothing about this part of Singapore resonates with me on why I travel – it felt like a theme park you'd take your family to – and that's honestly probably the best description for a lot of Singapore in all honesty.

I did enjoy Singapore, but I can't say that I have a huge desire to come back for multiple days.  Having said that I would like to come back for a night or two on the way home just to eat and walk around – there's no doubt it's a beautiful city.  

Singapore just doesn't have that authenticity and history I look for when traveling, especially in Asia.  I think I'd much rather just spend 2 weeks exploring Malaysia with maybe a day or two after in Sinagpore to recharge before the long journey home.  I'm glad I visited and had a great experience, I just really don't feel totally called to come back anytime soon, and I get that feeling most new places I visit.  Some people like this vibe, I just think it's sterile.